Mel Ott Athletics come back to earn 'A' crown

The Athletics came from behind three times to win the Mel Ott "A" championship, 8-7, over the Reds last Friday night.

Down 7-6 in the bottom of the fifth inning, Peter Ruber knocked in what proved to be the game-winning run. Joe Janish then came in and finished his perfect, two-inning close by firing the last three of his six straight strikeouts.

Jacob Ohman and Christopher Stryker each pitched two solid innings with five strikeouts each. Stryker accounted for half of the A's scoring with a double and four RBIs.

Michael Flemming also added a double and two walks allowing him to get on base three times, ultimately scoring three runs.

There was no quit in the Reds, who never let the A's keep the lead for long. They put in a valiant effort, out-hitting the A's, 12-6, led by Jubert, Thurston, Ford and Huard, who each had a multiple hit game.

'Minor' softball

Racers 18, Heat 10

The Racers struck first as Emma Burke hit a double and Katie Fortman smacked a single to put the Racers up 1-0.

The Heat came back in the bottom of the inning, scoring Maria Frascatore, Samantha Rohloff and Jenna Patterson to take a 3-1 lead.

The Racers scored three runs in the second. Brianna Spence started with a double and singles were cracked by Alexa Archambault and Emma Burke. This moved the Racers ahead, 4-3.

In the bottom of the second, the Heat scored three more due to base running of Emily Dunne and Maria Frascatore to take a 6-4 lead.

In the third, Marisa Cieri, Alana Zendano and Sarah Raimondi scored for the Racers to go up 7-6. Ace pitcher Melanie Izard held the Heat scoreless in the bottom of the inning.

The fourth inning brought the Racers three great hits by Izard, Archambault and Fortman, with Izard and Archambault scoring along with Emma Burke. In the bottom of the fourth, Frascatore scored her third run and Rohloff scored her second to make the score 10-8 Racers.

In the fifth inning, hits by Zendano, Spence, Piccillo and Burke sparked runs by Zendano Raimondi and Spence, bringing the score to 13-8 Racers.

The Heat came back with two runs of their own after a great hit by Kristine Hafner to make the score 13-10 Racers.

In the top of the sixth, the Racers enjoyed hits by Archambault, Genny Boucher and Spence, which led to five more runs to clinch the game.

Heat 10, Force 8

Isabella Calloway scored what turned out to be the game-winning run in a close, 10-8 duel with the mighty Force.

Nine different Heat players scored runs, as the team spread out their offense. Catchers Samantha Rohloff went 2 for 2 and Jenna Patterson went 2 for 3, in a game that went back and forth, producing great defensive plays on both sides.

Emily Dunne made a key defensive play in the top of the sixth inning, getting a force play with the help of three Heat players covering the bag. Hannah Sheridan had three important hits for the Force, while scoring two runs in the process.

Nicole Merrifield also had a pair of hits for the high-scoring Force.

'Major' baseball

Mel Ott 11u all-stars 11,

Grand Island 11u 6 Pitcher Jeff Becker hit a grand slam to end the game.